Regulations continue to be reduced for commercial fishing operators along with the simplification of recreational fishing rules under the Government of Western Australia’s ongoing drive to cut red tape.
Fisheries Minister Ken Baston said he was pleased with the progress being made by the Department of Fisheries in the sector which is worth more than AUS$1 billion to the State's economy.
"The Government's Red Tape Reduction Report Card has examples where changes have been made to help commercial fishing operations," he said.
He added: "This year, commercial west coast rock lobster operators have benefitted from further relaxation of controls, which are no longer necessary as the total catch is now capped.”
Operators in the state's most lucrative fishery are now able to take large female lobsters and the minimum legal length has also been reduced to 76mm. Together with a trial allowing setose western rock lobsters to be retained, it’s hoped these changes should help increase profitability.
Mr Baston said the report card also recognised that commercial operators in the west coast demersal scalefish and mackerel managed fisheries were now able to spread their licence fee payments over periodic instalments to assist business' cash flow.
He added that recreational fishers would also continue to benefit from the efforts to simplify and improve the recreational fishing experience in Western Australia.
"This review will look to further simplify and standardise limits where possible - making the experience of recreational fishing more enjoyable for West Australians and visiting tourists," he said.
